B36 News - Exclusive!
I was recently forwarded an email from my friend Andrea that she received from Senator Norm Coleman. It does a wonderful job of sumarizing a lot of the progress we've made so far in Iraq. It's so long and detailed that I thought it would be more effective to just post the highlights of it. You'll notice that many of his points have already been made here before, but that shouldn't lessen their impact. So here they are:
Who dares say we are not accomplishing the mission? I challenge you, prove me wrong!
WE ARE WINNING!
- On January 30, 2005, millions of Iraqis participated in their first free election, defying the threats of insurgents who sought to deny them their opportunity for democracy.
- A constitutional referendum was held on October 15, 2005, with high voter turnout reported in Sunni majority provinces.
- On December 15, 2005, Iraqi voters went to the polls to elect a Council of Representatives.
- Currently, over 223,000 Iraqi security forces have been trained and equipped, with 34 Iraqi Army battalions assuming primary control of their own areas of responsibility.
- According to a poll conducted in December, over 70 percent of Iraqis surveyed oppose the immediate withdrawal of American troops.
- USAID is providing support to the Ministry of Trade to deliver more than 480,000 tons of food each month.
- Over 2,800 schools have been renovated and over 47,500 secondary school teachers have been trained.
- Health care funding has increased 30-fold since Iraq was freed from Saddam Hussein.
- USAID has immunized 98 percent of children under 5 years old against measles, mumps, and rubella and 97 percent of children under 5 against polio.
- Over 1,200 primary health clinics and 240 Iraqi hospitals are in operation.
Who dares say we are not accomplishing the mission? I challenge you, prove me wrong!
WE ARE WINNING!
posted by MarksMomma at 22:02
BANDIT.THREE.SIX
THE LIZ
THE WIZ
6 Comments:
From: [Senator Norm Coleman] *my edit*
To: [Andrea] *my edit*
Subject: Re: www_email
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:59:47 -0400
Dear [Andrea] my edit :
Thank you for taking the time to contact me concerning Operation Iraqi Freedom.
I am inspired by our soldiers' efforts to advance the cause of freedom. We must stay committed to defeating the insurgents to bring peace and democracy to the Iraqi people.
The process of consolidating a new national government will take time and patience. However, important milestones have been reached. On January 30, 2005, millions of Iraqis participated in their first free election, defying the threats of insurgents who sought to deny them their opportunity for democracy. A constitution was drafted and a constitutional referendum was held on October 15, 2005, with high voter turnout reported in Sunni majority provinces. On December 15, 2005, Iraqi voters went to the polls to elect a Council of Representatives. Over 6,200 polling centers were opened, staffed by 170,000 polling workers with 120,000 election observers on hand.
The result of the December election, the third time Iraqis have gone to the polls to elect their government, is promising and has given Iraqis more hope for the future. The largest Shiite religious party has won the majority of seats, as expected; however, it did not win enough to rule without coalition partners. Additionally, the Sunni religious factions have gained more seats than they had in the outgoing assembly. As these results indicate, the majority of Iraqis want their voices to be heard - they want democracy. With that in mind, it is essential that the United States continue to support them as the political momentum in their country grows.
I traveled to Iraq last year where I visited with American and Iraqi officials about Iraq 's political transition, the corruption of the U.N. Oil for Food program, U.S. service member needs, and progress in training Iraqi troops. Currently, over 223,000 Iraqi security forces have been trained and equipped, with 34 Iraqi Army battalions assuming primary control of their own areas of responsibility. Iraqis see progress in their own country and believe Coalition forces should stay to complete their mission. According to a poll conducted in December, over 70 percent of Iraqis surveyed oppose the immediate withdrawal of American troops. They understand that American troops are training their military to help ensure their security. The training of the Iraqi Army, National Guard and police forces to assume a greater role in maintaining the security of Iraq will hasten the day American troops can come home.
Day by day, Iraqi forces are making progress in toppling the insurgency. Three top level associates of Al Qaeda terrorist Abu Musab Al- Zarqawi have been captured by Iraqi forces. Abu Azzam , a top Zarqawi lieutenant, was also killed by Coalition forces. Azzam had directed and controlled all terrorist activities and operations in Baghdad . Additionally, Iraqi citizens have provided valuable tips to Coalition forces. One tip resulted in the capture of a dozen 500 pound bombs and the discovery of an IED factory and over 4,000 pounds of explosives.
Under the President's leadership, the United States has contributed substantially to Iraq 's reconstruction. Iraqi reconstruction funds are managed by the Iraq Project and Contracting Office and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Many projects have already improved the quality of life for the Iraqi people. Food and electricity are being distributed throughout the country. USAID is providing support to the Ministry of Trade to deliver more than 480,000 tons of food each month. Over 2,800 schools have been renovated and over 47,500 secondary school teachers have been trained. Health care funding has increased 30-fold since Iraq was freed from Saddam Hussein. USAID has immunized 98 percent of children under 5 years old against measles, mumps, and rubella and 97 percent of children under 5 against polio. Over 1,200 primary health clinics and 240 Iraqi hospitals are in operation.
I am proud to support America 's troops and I look forward to their return home when their mission is complete. America and every nation that stands for freedom and democracy will be forever in their debt.
Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me. I value your advice. If I may be of further assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me again.
Sincerely,
Norm Coleman
United States Senate
SecDef and Gen Casey's brief on 22 Jun stated that IA had 3 Divs, 18 Bdes, and 69 Bns in the lead.
(of a total 10/37/111 as of May)
75% of the Bdes expected in the lead by end of summer.
8-9 of the Divs by end-year.
link to the brief transcript
http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/2006/tr20060622-13318.html
thanks bandit!!!
i am somebody,hehehehe...
i wish he would run for
president someday,but at
least he is going after his seat
again:):):):)
u have to stop all this good
news!!!!the left are going
to splode!
andrea/summer pj's/minnesota
:):)
Shhh, not so loud, my friend, it's apparently a secret....
Andy,
Implode? Ok so? Won't bother me :)
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